Emergency Lighting in Perth: Compliance, Testing and What It Means
Emergency lighting is the life-safety system most business owners never think about until an inspection or an incident forces the issue. If you own or manage a commercial building in Perth, compliant emergency lighting is a legal requirement, not an optional extra, and it has to be tested on a strict schedule. Here is what emergency lighting is, what the rules require, and how to stay compliant.
What emergency lighting includes Emergency lighting covers two things: emergency escape lights that switch on automatically when the power fails, and illuminated exit signs, the green running-man signs, that guide people to the exits. Both run on backup batteries so they keep working during a blackout or fire, when the mains supply is gone and ordinary lights are useless.
The standard: AS/NZS 2293 Emergency lighting in Australia is governed by AS/NZS 2293. Part 1 covers design and installation, and Part 2 covers inspection and maintenance. Under the Building Code of Australia, most commercial, industrial and public buildings must have compliant emergency lighting, and in WA it is a regulated requirement for these buildings.
The six-monthly test you cannot skip This is the part that catches building owners out. Under AS/NZS 2293.2, every emergency light and exit sign must undergo a discharge test every six months: the mains is cut and the fittings must run on battery for their full rated duration, typically 90 minutes. It is a live test, not a quick visual check, and the results must be recorded in a logbook kept for years.
6 things to know about emergency lighting compliance
- Compliant emergency lighting is a legal requirement for most commercial buildings
- Six-monthly 90-minute discharge testing is mandatory
- Results must be logged and kept for audits and insurance
- Exit signs have viewing-distance and mounting-height rules
- Non-compliance risks fines, insurance issues and liability
- LED fittings are now the preferred, cheaper-to-run option
What happens if you do not comply Skipping the testing is a false economy. Non-compliant systems can lead to fines from building regulators, complications with your insurance, and serious liability if anyone is harmed during an evacuation. It is also one of the most common reasons buildings fail their annual fire-safety obligations, so it is not a corner worth cutting.
Installation, upgrades and LED If you are fitting out a new space, extending, or replacing failed fittings, emergency lighting should be designed and installed to AS/NZS 2293.1, with fittings spaced and positioned correctly. Older fluorescent fittings are increasingly being swapped for LED emergency lighting, which uses less energy and needs less maintenance over its life.
Who should do it Designing, installing and testing emergency lighting is licensed electrical work. A licensed electrician can audit your building, bring it up to standard, run the six-monthly tests, and keep your logbook in order so compliance is never a last-minute scramble. The state’s Building and Energy sets out the obligations building owners must meet.
Monthly checks and annual servicing Beyond the six-monthly discharge test, a quick monthly visual check of indicator lights is recommended, and an annual service goes further, checking battery condition, light levels and any damage. Keeping to this schedule, with everything logged, is what demonstrates due diligence if a regulator or insurer ever asks.
Where it is required Most non-residential buildings that are open to the public or house staff need compliant systems, including offices, shops, warehouses, factories and the common areas of apartment blocks. If people work in or visit your building, it almost certainly applies to you.
Need your emergency lighting installed, upgraded or tested in Perth?
ACS Electrical handles emergency and exit lighting compliance for commercial buildings across the metro, including six-monthly testing and logbooks. Explore our commercial electricians service, lighting installation service or test and tag guide.
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